Exploring Balkan Breakfast: The European Food Trend Captivating TikTok

The Balkan Breakfast is primarily renowned in southeastern Europe, yet TikTok users worldwide are just beginning to savor this delightful meal.

Although the Balkan Breakfast surged in popularity on TikTok this September, this hearty dish initially began trending in 2020 when the TikToker ‘balkandad’ humorously showcased how Balkan dads enjoy their breakfast.

The Balkan Breakfast is a delicious medley of meats, cheeses, and raw vegetables. Many enthusiasts indulge in this dish using their hands, delighting in crunchy bites of peppers, cucumbers, sausages, and tomatoes.

What sets this charcuterie-inspired breakfast apart is the hands-on dining experience. It’s common for food lovers to pair this meal with hard liquor, regardless of the time of day, along with a side of salt for those extra juicy bites.

@balkandad
How Balkan dads eat breakfast 😂 #balkan #tiktokbalkan #relatable

♬ original sound – balkandad

This meal is deeply rooted in southeastern European culture, commonly enjoyed in countries such as Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, European Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, and the southern regions of Slovenia.

Nevertheless, TikTok users across the globe have started to experience this popular breakfast, sharing their own mukbangs on the platform.

Since first going viral, ‘balkandad’ has enriched TikTok with numerous videos of himself relishing the Balkan Breakfast.

In one video, he guided his followers through the process of preparing the meal, emphasizing the traditional practice of taking a bite of everything on the plate simultaneously for optimal taste.

@balkandad
Replying to @Dragane The Ultimate Balkan Breakfast 🍳 #balkandad #fy #balkanbreakfast #dorucak #balkan #balkanfood #kakavparsleybre #fyp #balkantiktok #tiktokbalkan #recep

♬ original sound – balkandad

Another TikToker, ‘.dayi_’, also hopped on the trend, showcasing his version of the Balkan Breakfast. Despite not using a plate, he had an array of healthy choices spread on the table, eagerly munching away.

“Automatic machine,” remarked a viewer. “I want that breakfast,” another chimed in.

@.dayi_ ♬ original sound – dayi

Another TikToker, ‘ryaneatss’, also shared his interpretation of the trend, gaining attention for aggressively munching on a tomato and baguette paired with ample salt while seated next to a body of water.

Despite the creative effort, some viewers felt that his breakfast resembled more of a “snack,” as his food options were somewhat limited.

@ryaneatss
THE SALT IS MANDATORY 🥖🍅🧂 #balkanbreakfast #fyp #foryoupage #mukbangeatingshow #eatingshowasmr #foodtiktok #trending

♬ original sound – ryaneatss

Earlier this summer, a frozen salad trend also gained traction on TikTok. This unique dish involves grating frozen vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes into a bowl, topped with condiments such as sea salt, olive oil, and balsamic vinaigrette.

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